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The writing is pretty much on the wall for Ravens fullback Vonta Leach that the smash mouth blocker isn’t likely to return to the purple and black in 2014.

In fact I am still trying to figure out why the Ravens even brought him back for 2013. His game reps had all but disappeared. Against bad run defenses the Ravens failed to utilize him and when they did they used him more for that awful swing pass that rarely worked.

Granted the teams horrid offensive line never really provided a run game for the Ravens this year and when it did the results were minimal.

“There were times that the running backs and offensive line weren’t on the same page, other times where it just wasn’t working” Leach told members of the media on Monday.

That was clearly evident whenever the Ravens were in short yardage situations and goal line situations this season. Countless times I was on the edge of my seat wondering when third an one and third an two became passing downs for the Ravens.

While Leach plans to meet with the Ravens brass this offseason about his role on the team he is likely going to be a cap casualty regardless. As our own Brian McFarland pointed out in his Ravens 2014 Free Agency Preview, parting ways with him would provide the team with a cap savings of about $1.7 M.

“If they had a role for me. Ideally, I want to come back here. I understand that this is a business.” Leach stated on Monday to members of the media.

It appears as more and more teams teams are shying away from the traditional fullback position. Some are using hybrid backs that have more than just one role or just eliminating the position all together. The NFL has become a pass happy league and the days of smash mouth football are dwindling.

“It is tough for a fullback, but there are still some teams that can use a fullback and I’d like to play one or two more years.” Leach acknowledged.

Leach will join a proud group of Ravens fullbacks that over the years put fear into opposing run defenses and made fans cheer for their jarring hits on defenders.

It will be sad day if the Ravens opt to part ways with Leach, particularly if the root of the problem remains…Juan Castillo.

Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR

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About Brian Bower

Brian Bower is avid football fan, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He has covered the Baltimore Ravens and NFL player positives in the community for the past 6 years. This will be his 3rd season with the Russell Street Report. His work has been featured on NFL.com, ESPN blogs, Comcast SportsNet Baltimore, as well as the Baltimore Ravens web page. He is also a regular guest on local radio and ESPN Radio in Honolulu, Hawaii. Brian is very involved in the community and has spent the last twenty years as a volunteer firefighter. Email him at bbower@russellstreetreport.com. More from Brian Bower

Lombardi’s Way - A column from the 24×7 founder that focuses on the Ravens, the NFL, Baltimore, the world of sports or life’s inspirations.

Word on The Street - In the spirit of the CBS Sports Minute with Boomer Esiason, RSR brings you Word on The Street, a 90 second (or less) podcast on topics exclusively relating to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens Links - We’ll give you the best stories about the Ravens from around the web three times per week.

Fanimal - If you are an animal about the Baltimore Ravens, then you are a Fanimal! Follow the Russell Street Report blog Fanimal Crackers!

The Edgar Awards - The Edgar Awards will range from the Maryland county that is home to the best Ravens fans to the best Ravens podcast; from the best collection of displaced fans to the best local craft brews that should be part of your next tailgating party.

The Road to RSR - Our writers explains their journeys as fans and how they came to write for our little corner of sports media.